Volunteering at UHN

Volunteer Roles Overview

The following is a general overview of volunteer roles available at UHN. Once placed into a volunteer role, a volunteer will receive a Volunteer Position Description specific to their volunteer role. This Volunteer Position Description will outline the responsibilities and qualifications of their volunteer role.

Administrative Support

• Greeting and welcoming patients, visitors and staff
• Filing, faxing and photocopying
• Errands to other departments

Clinical Support

• Greet and escort patients and visitors
• Assist with various administrative tasks including photocopying, filing, phone calls
• Assist patients with general inquiries and information needs
• Prepare examination rooms and escort patients to examination rooms
• Assist the clinics in managing patient flow to ensure that patients are received and discharged efficiently

Inpatient Support

I.e. Inpatient Unit Support, Patient Visiting

• Provide and engage in activities with patients (reading material, playing cards, board games, puzzles, talking, reading to/with patients, writing letters, arts and crafts)
• Escort/accompany medically stable patients for walks
• Escort patients for walks
• Provide companionship when requested
• Connect with nursing/health professional staff when a patient/visitor wishes to speak with staff
• Keep staff informed of any questions or concerns raised

Patient and Family Support

I.e. Navigator, Information Desk, Waiting Room Support, Critical Care Units, Emergency Department, Wellness Program Support

• Assist with way-finding, direct and escort patients and other clients (e.g. caregivers, visitors) to different areas in the hospital
• Greet and welcome visitors and caregivers
• Provide activities for patients (providing reading material, playing cards, board games, puzzles, talking, reading to patients, writing letters, arts and crafts)
• Liaise between visitors and medical staff

Rehab Therapy Support

I.E. Wellness Program Support, Therapeutic Recreation Support, Physiotherapy Support, OTA/PTA Support

• Assist in fostering a friendly environment through social interaction
• Assist in maintaining a safe and tidy patient environment (wiping down mats, changing pillows, returning equipment to appropriate rooms, tidying environment)
• Assist with administrative tasks (taking inventory, filing, literature searches, photocopying)

Specialized Patient Support

I.E. Care & Connect Virtual Program

• The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has a trained team of volunteers who work directly with cancer patients and their supporters as part of the Care & Connect program. Care & Connect volunteers offer emotional support and participate in friendly conversations by phone or video chat with patients and caregivers who are under care at PM. Care & Connect volunteers can help answer questions, connect patients with services and assist with practical problem-solving.
• Call 416 946 4501 ext. 3311 or email care.connect@uhn.ca for more information.